Connecting the Global Desi Community: Indiaspora’s Impact

An Australian newspaper recently headlined, "Singh beats Smith," highlighting business ownership in Sydney. This reflects a larger trend: the desi diaspora, now over 35 million strong and spread across 200 countries, is making its mark.

The Indiaspora Forum: A Gathering of Influence

Last month, Bengaluru hosted the Indiaspora Forum, where members from 25 countries mingled. Participants included venture capitalists, Paralympians, AI researchers, art collectors, and policymakers. This diverse assembly underscores the multifaceted influence of the Indian diaspora.

Building a Sustainable Network

Indiaspora was founded in 2012 by entrepreneur MR Rangaswami. He emphasizes the organization’s slow, deliberate growth. “We are not an overnight success,” he states. The organization has expanded its reach to the ‘big six’ diaspora hubs: the US, UAE, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Singapore. The annual forum has become a unique platform for exploring the Indian diaspora’s broader influence beyond mere economic contributions.

A Non-Transactional Environment

Rangaswami is intentional about cultivating a non-transactional atmosphere at the forum. “This event is not about selling or pitching. It’s about expanding our understanding and knowledge of various fields,” he remarked during his keynote address. This philosophy was evident as art collector Kiran Nadar spoke about her new museum in Delhi and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led meditation sessions.

Addressing the Missing Link

Asif Ismail, CEO of American Bazaar, believes that Indiaspora fills a significant gap. While regional associations like Gujarati samajs and Telugu organizations have existed for years, they often focus on narrow community-specific issues. Indiaspora, with its early high-profile events—like the inaugural ball for President Obama in 2013—has evolved into a professionally managed network that still retains its community essence. Rangaswami recalls a member whose travel needs were met by fellow members during a personal crisis.

Navigating Political Matters

Indiaspora’s approach to political issues is nuanced. The organization focuses on immigration, geopolitical tensions, and mobility concerns affecting diaspora communities without engaging in public lobbying. Instead, it builds private channels of dialogue with governments to convey concerns.

Beyond Remittances: A Broader Narrative

Traditionally, the Indian diaspora’s story has been told through the lens of remittances, which amount to billions annually. However, the recently launched Indiaspora Impact Report argues for a more expansive view. It highlights that 76% of overseas angel investors funding Indian startups are from the diaspora, with over 60% of Indian NGOs receiving donations from them.

Cultural Influence: Beyond Economics

There’s also an immeasurable cultural influence at play. Yoga studios are flourishing in American suburbs, Indian cinema is crossing language barriers, and once-unique cuisine is now commonplace. “It’s not just about money,” Rangaswami asserts. “It’s about influence, culture, and ideas. We must measure both the hard and soft power of the diaspora.”

Why Bengaluru was Chosen as the Host City

This year, Indiaspora chose Bengaluru, the heart of India’s IT industry, as the forum’s host city. As Rangaswami noted, “Bengaluru represents the new India—tech-driven, global, and forward-looking.”

Year-Round Programming and Future Initiatives

Indiaspora is active year-round, hosting climate summits and global health discussions that address issues disproportionately affecting South Asians. It has also launched “Indiaspora Next” to engage younger diaspora members in influential networks dominated by older generations.

Conclusion: The Power of Community

What keeps attendees returning is not the networking but the ideas and inspiration shared at the forum. Ambassador Sree Sreenivasan states, “One of the great skills of the 21st century is bringing people together.” While digital interactions are valuable, the depth of connection fostered in person among members from 25 countries is irreplaceable.

In sum, Indiaspora thrives as a global platform that enhances the shared knowledge, cultural influence, and collective power of the Indian diaspora.